Regis University is inspired by the particular vision of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), which poses the challenge to think critically, engage in personal reflection and serve those in need.

Physical Therapy

Pre-Physical Therapy at Regis University

The entry level degree for physical therapists is the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The first step toward this career is to earn your undergraduate degree, selecting any major of your choice, and fulfilling the DPT program prerequisites along the way. Our pre-health advisors and our admission staff are available to help guide you as you progress through your selected undergraduate major prior to application for the DPT program.

Classroom

Physical Therapy

Degree Overview

The presence of a School of Physical Therapy in the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, and the involvement of some of its faculty in Regis College courses, provides our undergraduates intending a career in Physical Therapy (PT) with a special opportunity. This relationship allows Regis College students to get to know the PT faculty and take courses that anticipate graduate PT coursework.

Students interested in pursuing the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate degree can major in any field of study. Keep in mind that you also need to complete all the DPT program prerequisites in addition to major requirements.

Regis University's School of Physical Therapy does not offer guaranteed admission to any students; however, all Regis College undergraduates who apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate program are given special consideration as Jesuit University alum. Additional consideration is given to students completing the BS in Health and Exercise Science and/or the Exercise Science Minor at Regis University. Other majors that may be of interest to pre-PT students include biology, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience, or psychology, but all majors are considered. It's important to do well in your studies, so pick a major that matches your interests and allows you to excel as a student in all coursework, including DPT prerequisite requirements.

How to Apply

Take the next step in your Regis experience and connect with a Regis Enrollment Counselor for information and assistance.

Physical Therapy Career

WHAT IS A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?

Physical therapists, or PTs, are health care professionals who restore, maintain and promote optimal physical function. They are highly educated movement experts and work with individuals of all ages, from newborns to aging adults. Physical Therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings and nursing homes.

Physical Therapists rank their job satisfaction as very high, which is likely attributed to several factors including; helping others, job security, job flexibility both in location of work (all over the US) and amount of work (often part-time or flexible schedules are available).

In addition to being a rewarding career, Physical Therapy is also a career with huge growth expectations, in large part due to the growing aging population. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physical therapists is expected to spike upward by an astonishing 30% between 2008 and 2018 a much quicker rate than average.

Majors and Prerequisites

UNDERGRADUATE OPTIONS AT REGIS UNIVERSITY

It's important to do well in your major, so pick one that matches your interests and allows you to excel as a student in all coursework, including DPT prerequisite requirements. Remember, any major works, but we do have several recommendations. A major in one of the nature sciences such as Biology, Chemistry or Neuroscience, or a social science such as Psychology are especially useful in preparing for a career in physical therapy. You may want to consider a minor in Health and Exercise Science if you choose a major other than the BS in Health and Exercise Science.

Regis University's School of Physical Therapy does not offer guaranteed admission to any students; however, all Regis College undergraduates regardless of major who apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate program are given special consideration as Jesuit University alum. Additional consideration is given to students completing the BS in Health and Exercise Science and/or the Exercise Science Minor.

Prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to matriculation into the School of Physical Therapy. However, coursework may be in progress or planned at the time of application without it negatively impacting your application. Regis University's DPT program requires a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.75 for all applicants.

Human Anatomy with Lab

4 SH

Human Physiology with Lab

4 SH

Biology I with Lab

4 SH

Biology II with Lab

4 SH

General Chemistry I with Lab

4 SH

General Chemistry II with Lab

4 SH

General Physics I with Lab

4 SH

General Physics II with Lab

4 SH

Behavioral Science I

3 SH

Behavioral Science II

3 SH

Statistics (Descriptive and Inferential)

3 SH

**Behavioral Science examples include courses in psychology, sociology and anthropology. Developmental and Abnormal Psychology are recommended.

**Any two Biology courses, each with a lab, from the Biology Department will fulfill the Biology I and II requirements.

Other courses that are recommended but not required for admission include the following:

Biomechanics/Kinesiology

Exercise Physiology

Speech Communication

Neuroscience/Neuroanatomy

Research Methods/Advanced Statistics

Motor Control/Motor Learning

The pass-fail option is not accepted in required courses. In addition, grades of D or F are not accepted toward required courses.

FAQ

When do I apply to the DPT program?
The application deadline for the DPT program at Regis University (and most other DPT schools) is during the Fall semester, typically around November 1 of your senior year of undergraduate study. It's important to review the application deadline dates of all DPT programs you intend to apply to since most schools will not consider late applicants.

When must prerequisite coursework be completed?
The Regis University DPT program starts each August. If admitted, all prerequisite coursework must be completed before you begin the program. However, you can apply prior to completion of all prerequisites. We do not have a minimum number of prerequisite courses that must be completed at the time of application. Students that are admitted with outstanding prerequisite coursework are admitted conditionally and must successfully complete all outstanding prerequisites prior to matriculation to meet the conditions of acceptance.

What major should I choose?
You may complete an undergraduate degree in any major. The requirements for the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program are a baccalaureate degree and the program prerequisites. Admission to the DPT program is competative. It’s important to do well in your major, so pick one that matches your interests and allows you to excel as a student in all coursework, including DPT prerequisite requirements.

Do you give preference to Regis College undergraduates?
Regis University's School of Physical Therapy does not offer guaranteed admission to any students; however, all Regis College undergraduates regardless of major who apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate program are given special consideration as Jesuit University alum. Additional consideration is given to students completing the BS in Health and Exercise Science and/or the Exercise Science Minor.

Do I need any standardize tests to apply?
Yes. Regis University's DPT program requires all applicants to complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). It's a good idea to get a jump start on studying for this exam and we suggest taking it in the summer between your junior and senior years of undergraduate work.

How many hours of volunteer service do I need for the DPT program?
We don't require a specific number of hours; however, we expect candidates to have enough experience to serve as evidence of their commitment to the career choice of physical therapy. You should obtain a broad exposure to the various roles and responsibilities of the practicing physical therapist and have a general understanding of the future direction of physical therapy as a profession. A great reference for information about the field of physical therapy is the American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org).

How many DPT applicants do you receive?
We received over 1,450 applications last year, and we interviewed 288 of those applicants.

How many applicants do you accept?
We expect to start a class of 80 DPT students.

How long is the program and when does it begin?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is completed in eight consecutive semesters including summer semester. It's a full time program and begins in August (Fall semester) of each year.

How do students pay for the DPT program?
The majority of student in the program are paying for tuition and living expenses through student loans. Once admitted to the DPT program, you will have a financial aid counselor available to work with you on securing loans. Additionally, we offer ten Dean's Scholarships, in the amount of $20,000 per scholarship, to each incoming Doctor of Physical Therapy class. All students admitted to the DPT program are considered for the scholarships. Awards are based on academic achievement and/or diversity.

Is the Regis University DPT program accredited?
Yes. The Physical Therapist Education program at Regis University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703.706.3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

Why Regis University's DPT program?
Regis University School of Physical Therapy is highly regarded by physical therapists across the U.S. We teach evidence-based practice, allow students to learn manual therapy skills which are normally reserved for residency or fellowship training (post DPT degree), and we have dedicated faculty with a passion for teaching. Regis PT faculty hold many awards in the field and in their areas of expertise. We don't simply graduate great physical therapists, we graduate future physical therapy leaders who will advance the profession. Our graduates know the science behind what they do, and they have the compassion and empathy it takes to help transform lives. And did we mention we are located in Colorado? Regis University is just minutes from every outdoor experience you could want!